JACKSON, MI – Candidates for mayor of Jackson agree that a
business friendly environment is essential for the city moving forward.

Mayoral candidates Jason Smith, John Wilson and Martin
Griffin were at a morning forum downtown hosted by the Midtown Association on
Tuesday, Oct. 1. The forum was held prior to the association's annual meeting
and about 30 people attended the event at One Five One restaurant.

The forum was moderated by News/Talk Radio personality Marc
Daly. One question asked of the candidates was how they planned to brand and
market Jackson if elected.

"We have to know who we are before we can start branding our
city," Griffin said. "We have to be welcoming to the business community and
business friendly, then we can brand."

Griffin is the incumbent in the general election for mayor
set for Tuesday, Nov. 5.

"We need to expand and let people know we're open for
business," Smith said. "We have plenty of storefronts and brownfield sites that
we need to develop. We need to attract business and the generation of families
business brings with it."

Wilson was next to the mic.

"I believe a premium quality of life environment is of the
utmost importance," he said. "We need safe neighborhoods, a quality education,
parks and recreation and a decent business environment that helps small
business and doesn't punish it."

All candidates agreed, too, that pursuing federal and state
grants was important to improve Jackson.

Smith and Wilson said having professional and
experienced grant writers was important. Griffin expanded on the two challengers'
claims, and said that picking and choosing grants is important.

"We're not going to pursue grants for staffing for instance,"
Griffin said. "Often the grants run out in two years and the employees need to
be let go, and sometimes there's a 65 percent match. Not all grants are created
equal."

Midtown Association President Wendy Clifton thanked the
candidates for attending the forum.

"We care deeply about our city," she said. "Whoever may be
elected, we need to support our mayor in order to grow. Fighting doesn't help –
we need to be proactive."

Contact Will Forgrave at wforgrav@mlive.com or
517-262-7554. Follow him on Twitter at @WillForgrave.